ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Initiatives to improve quality of Skills for better employment opportunities
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  has launched Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna , the flagship program of the Ministry was launched in 2015 to mobilize youth to take up skill training with the aim of increasing productivity and aligning the training and certification to the needs of the country. Owing to success of PMKVY 1.0 wherein more than 19 lakh students were trained as against the target of 24 lakh, the scheme was re- launched as PMKVY 2.0  with an aim to train 10 million youth by the year 2020.
Based on the learning from first phase of the scheme, changes were made under PMKVY  to ensure quality and standardization for the benefit of end beneficiaries. The training centres delivering training under PMKVY  have been inspected by third party inspection agencies, courses have been designed by Sector Skill Councils  with industry inputs, and curriculum and candidate handbooks have been standardized for all job roles under PMKVY. PMKVY actively also seeks input from industry through SSCs to keep abreast with changes and requirement of employers to be inculcated in the course curriculum. Further, training centres imparting training are regularly monitored leveraging technology enabled tools.Under PMKVY, a total of 49973, 1594183 and 674534 candidates have been trained during 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively.
Directorate General of Training , Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  is entrusted with the responsibility of long term vocational training in the Country. One of the flagship schemes is ‘Craftsmen Training Scheme’ being implemented through network of 15,042 Industrial Training Institutes  located all over the country with an objective to provide skilled work force to the industry in 138 trades with duration of 6 months , 1 year and 2 year .
DGT has taken following initiatives to improve quality of skills for better employment opportunities.
- Dual System of Training- for better industry linkages following the German model.
- Grading of ITIs & ISO 29990 certification
- Introduction of two year Advanced Technical Diploma
- Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement 
- Introduction of new trades on Internet of Things , Smart Agriculture, Geo- informatics assistant, Aeronautical Structure & Equipment Fitter, Drone, Solar Technician, Technician Mechatronics etc, under Craftsmen Training Scheme.
This information was given by Union Minister forSkill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.
PIB Headquarters
DAK ADALAT
Office will conduct “DAK ADALAT” on 08.01.2020 at 11.00 AM at Anna Road, HPO, Chennai 600 002. The Members of the public are requested to send their grievances, if any, regarding postal services  availed at Anna Road, HPO, Chennai 600 002. They can bring their grievances either in person or send them by post or through email at doannaroadhpo.tn@indiapost.gov.in, with the caption DAK ADALAT on or before 05.01.2020.
They may also attend the Dak Adalat on 08.01.2020 at 11.00 AM, according to a press release issued by the Chief Post Master, Anna Road HPO, Chennai 600 002.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Wide Bodied Aircraft Operations to Resume from Calicut Tomorrow
Airports Authority of India  has announced the resumption of wide bodied aircraft operations from Calicut International Airport by M/S. Saudia Airlines from tomorrow.
Wide bodied aircraft operations were suspended from May 2015 due to safety reasons. Subsequently AAI has taken action for strengthening and re-carpeting of the runway and grading of runway strip to cater to the requirement of heavy aircraft operations. In order to improve safety, AAI has also taken measures to increase the runway end safety area as directed by the regulatory authorities and installed simple touch down zone flights on both runways.
Further, a compatibility study and safety assessment were conducted in accordance with the ICAO guidelines as recommended by the joint DGCA-AAI inspection team to assess suitability of the aerodrome for the safe operation of wide bodied aircraft.
Based on the compatibility study report, safety assessment and risk mitigation measures, DGCA has issued NOC for wide bodied aircraft from Calicut airport. M/s. Saudia is commencing their services with wide bodied aircraft  to Riyadh and Jeddah. The schedule is as follows:
SV746/747 -- JEDDAH/CALICUT/JEDDAH ARR-1110/DEP-1310
MON, WED, THU, SAT
SV892/893 -- RIYADH/CALICUT/RIYADH ARR-1110/DEP-1310
TUE, FRI, SUN
Calicut International Airport is a profit making airport run by AAI and handles more than 3 million passengers annually, of which 2.6 million are international passengers.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Setting up of New CNG Pumps
Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board  is the authority to grant authorization to the entities to lay, build, operate or expand for the development of City Gas Distribution  or local natural gas distribution network in Geographical Areas  as per PNGRB Act, 2006.The Minimum Work Programme  as per the authorization to CGD entities entail establishment of 8181 CNG pumps over a period of 8-10 years across 27 States and 3 Union Territories.
At present, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the MWP entails setting up of 417 CNG stations in the authorized districts over the period of 8-10 years. At present PNGRB has not authorized any entity for development of CGD network in any GA in the state of Chhattisgarh. Details of CNG stations as per the MWP are at Annexure.
The CNG pumps are set up by the CGD entities also along the National Highways as per their work plan and techno -commercial feasibility.
State-wise list of the total number of Compressed Natural Gas  Stations in the country is at Annexure. The list is also available at https://www.pngrb.gov.in/data-bank/PNG.CNG.
Annexure
State wise list of CNG stations in the country|
|
Sl No.
|
|
State/UT 
|
|
CNG Stations
|
|
Existing

|
|
As per Minimum Work Plan
|
|
-
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
72
|
|
426
|
|
-
|
|
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
|
|
-
|
|
251
|
|
-
|
|
Assam
|
|
1
|
|
72
|
|
-
|
|
Bihar
|
|
10
|
|
459
|
|
-
|
|
Bihar and Jharkhand
|
|
-
|
|
37
|
|
-
|
|
Chandigarh 
|
|
8
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
Daman & Diu and Gujarat
|
|
-
|
|
35
|
|
-
|
|
Dadara& Nagar Haveli
|
|
7
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
Daman and Diu
|
|
5
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
Goa
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
731
|
|
140
|
|
-
|
|
Haryana
|
|
147
|
|
277
|
|
-
|
|
Haryana and Himachal Pradesh
|
|
-
|
|
45
|
|
-
|
|
Haryana and Punjab
|
|
-
|
|
54
|
|
-
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
2
|
|
10
|
|
-
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
13
|
|
179
|
|
-
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
44
|
|
811
|
|
-
|
|
Kerala
|
|
14
|
|
763
|
|
-
|
|
Kerala and Puduchrry
|
|
-
|
|
185
|
|
-
|
|
Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
|
|
-
|
|
54
|
|
-
|
|
Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
|
|
-
|
|
20
|
|
-
|
|
Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
|
|
-
|
|
34
|
|
-
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
78
|
|
309
|
|
-
|
|
Maharashtra and Gujarat
|
|
-
|
|
156
|
|
-
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
423
|
|
225
|
|
-
|
|
National Capital Territory of Delhi 
|
|
424
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
Odisha
|
|
19
|
|
116
|
|
-
|
|
Puducherrry and Tamil Nadu
|
|
-
|
|
27
|
|
-
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
-
|
|
130
|
|
-
|
|
Punjab
|
|
80
|
|
278
|
|
-
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
49
|
|
576
|
|
-
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
3
|
|
872
|
|
-
|
|
Telangana
|
|
74
|
|
268
|
|
-
|
|
Tripura
|
|
11
|
|
12
|
|
-
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
384
|
|
785
|
|
-
|
|
Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
|
|
-
|
|
91
|
|
-
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
11
|
|
50
|
|
-
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
8
|
|
480Some of the GAs authorized by PNGRB span areas in more than one state.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Indians regained confidence of self-identity under the Modi regime in 8 years, a new-found belief in identity on the global stage: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh
The guiding philosophy of the Union Government has been to focus on the betterment of the poorest amongst us: Dr Jitendra Singh
Indians, both within the country as well as those living abroad, regained confidence of self-identity under the Modi regime in 8 years. He said , prior to 2014, there was an atmosphere of desperation, pessimism and hopelessness among average Indians and the Indian youth living abroad sometimes even felt hesitant to reveal their identity ,but after the arrival of Narendra Modi as PM, India and Indians began to be looked up with respect and esteem.
This was stated here today by Union Minister of State  Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State  Ministry of Earth Science; MoS of Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh while addressing a "Labharthi Sammelan" organised in Dehradun by the BJP on the first day of his two day visit to Uttarakhand.
The Union Minister said that the guiding philosophy behind all Union Government Schemes has been the betterment of the poorest amongst us.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the only matrix through which the Union Government has viewed the allocation of resources has been the need of the people. He added that this has meant reduced regional disparities and substantial investment in the small and underdeveloped but vital states like Mizoram in North-East and Uttarakhand.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that in the last 8 years, the schemes to provide houses, electricity connections, piped water and gas connections have resulted not only in financial upliftment but also in social progress. He added that more than 11 crore toilets constructed under ‘Swachh Bharat’ have lent safety and dignity to our women. He further said that the participatory nature of the governance has meant a behavioural change in the masses without which no scheme can succeed.
However, the Union Minister added, that the last 8 years have meant so much more than just a tremendous increase in tangible assets like new houses and water connections. They have meant a newfound belief for us Indians in our identity on the Global-Stage. The all-round development of our nation has meant respect and recognition of India’s potential in the world.
Dr.Jitendra Singh said that now Indians abroad hold their heads up high while claiming their heritage. The Minister added that the true measure of our success is not only a bigger economy but also the increased influence and self-confidence on the world stage.
The Union Minister concluded that led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are witnessing the emergence of a new modus operandi and a new culture in the Indian polity in the last 8 years.
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SNC/RT
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President's Secretariat
President of Armenia calls on the President
His Excellency Mr Serzh Sargsyan, the President of the Republic of Armenia, called on the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Welcoming the Armenian President on his first visit to India, the President congratulated him on steering Armenia successfully from the Presidential form of government to the Parliamentary form. The President thanked Mr Sargsyan for his presence at the World Food India event.
The President said that India and Armenia share very special ties. Our warm and friendly relations are rooted in history. Our people have interacted with each other over centuries. We have had the privilege to live together with Armenian brothers and sisters in Kolkata, Chennai and other cities in India. We are extremely proud of this common heritage.
The President said that our bilateral relations are strong. However, there is much scope to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries. The health sector is one of the promising areas of bilateral cooperation. He expressed confidence that this visit would provide a fresh impetus to India-Armenia relations.
The President expressed happiness that there is a Hindi Chair in the Yerevan State Linguistic University. He noted that the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports is working to have a Chair in Yoga soon. He stated that these initiatives will further strengthen cultural ties between India and Armenia.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan participates in International Day of Yoga 2022 celebrations at the Kedarnath Dham in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
The Government of India is celebrating 8th International Day of Yoga today. As the 8th IDY is falling in Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav year, the Government of India under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister celebrated the event at 75 iconic sites across the country besides 75 locations across the world by different Indian embassies abroad with the “Guardian Ring” concept.The main theme of the 8th IDY is “Yoga for Humanity”.
The main event of mass Yoga was organized at Mysuru Palace, Mysuru, Karnataka under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, from where he addressed the events virtually today.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, MoS, FAHD participated in the IDY 2022 celebrations at Kedarnath Dham in Rudrapayag, Uttarakhand. Dr. Balyan urged people to adopt Yoga in their daily life.
After two years of Covid-19 pandemic, the country witnessed widespread enthusiasm and participation for this year’s 8th edition of the IDY 2022 to support the message of “Yoga for Humanity”. This year International Day of Yoga included a “Guardian Ring” program which entails live streaming of people performing yoga in 16 different time zones along with the rising sun.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Meeting of Committee of eminent Freedom Fighters held in New Delhi; Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra chaired meeting
“In 75th Year of India’s Independence, the Nation is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav; Freedom fighters participated with full dedication in freedom struggle and the nation can never forget their invaluable contribution”
As per directions of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, Government is fully committed to the welfare of Freedom Fighters
A meeting of the Committee of Eminent Freedom Fighters was held in New Delhi today. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra chaired the meeting. Veteran Freedom Fighters from across the country attended the meeting. Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra honored the Freedom Fighters who attended the meeting.
In his opening address, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra said the country is celebrating ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ in the 75th year of India’s Independence. He said Freedom Fighters participated with full dedication in the freedom struggle and the Nation can never forget their invaluable contribution. Shri Mishra said that as per the directives of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, the Government is fully committed to the welfare of the Freedom Fighters and is taking all possible steps to provide them, the best of facilities.
During the meeting, Freedom Fighters gave a number of suggestions. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs heard their suggestions and assured consideration and quick action on them.
Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM’s statement to Media ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament 2021
Namaskar friends,
This session of Parliament is very important. The country is celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav of freedom. Ordinary citizens from across India are pitching in by organizing several programs and taking steps to fulfill the dreams of the freedom fighters in the public and national interest during the Amrit Mahotsav of freedom. These stories are a good sign for the bright future of India.
Recently, the entire country made a resolution on Constitution Day to fulfill the spirit of the Constitution with a new resolution. In this context, all of us and every citizen of the country would like this session and subsequent sessions of Parliament to hold discussions in the interest of the country and find new ways for the development of the country according to the spirit of the freedom fighters and the Amrit Mahotsav of freedom. This session should be rich in ideas and positive debates should have far-reaching impact. I hope the Parliament should be judged how it functions and its significant contributions rather than who disrupted Parliament forcefully. This cannot be the benchmark. The benchmark would be how many hours the Parliament worked and how much positive work was done. The government is willing to discuss every issue with an open mind. The government is ready to answer every question. And we would like that there should be questions in Parliament and peace should also prevail.
Voices against government policies should be forceful but the dignity of Parliament and the Chair should be upheld. We should maintain the sort of conduct that will inspire younger generations. Since the last session, the country has administered more than 100 crore Covid vaccine doses and we are now moving fast towards the figure of 150 crores. We should be alert to the new variant. I also request all the members of Parliament and to you also to be alert, because everyone’s health is our priority in this hour of crisis.
A scheme to provide food grains free of cost under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana is going on so that more than 80 crore citizens of the country do not suffer any more during this Corona period. Now it has been extended till March 2022. The scheme costing about 2.60 lakh crore rupees takes care of the concerns of more than 80 crore countrymen so that the stove of the poor keeps on burning. I hope we take expeditious decisions together in the interest of the country in this session and fulfill the wishes and expectations of the common man. This is my expectation. Thank you very much.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Pune
Union Home Minister Shri. Amit Shah has arrived in Pune to attend a National Conference of Director Generals of Police.
The minister arrived at Lohgaon Airport by an Indian Air Force aircraft today. Air Commodore Rahul Bhasin, Director of Intelligence Bureau Arvind Kumar, Director General of Police Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, Commissioner of Police Dr. K. Venkatesham, Deputy Collector  Amrut Natekar and Yogesh Gogavale, Jayant Yerwadekar were present.
Source: DGIPR
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Ministry of Defence
INS Khanjar visits Yangon, Myanmar
INS Khanjar a Missile Corvette of Indian Navy was on a three-day visit to Yangon, Myanmar to undertake operational turn around  and as part of goodwill visit from 18 to 20 Aug 18. On arrival at Yangon, the Commanding Officer called-on Captain Tet Lwin Run, Fleet Commander 1st Fleet and the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Shri Vikram Misri. A joint Yoga Session for IN and Myanmar Naval personnel was also organised in addition to the cross visits between Indian Navy and Myanmar Naval personnel.
CGR/74-18
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Union Health Secretary Shri Sudhansh Pant presides over the National Urban Health Conclave on “Developing a Joint Roadmap for Strengthening Health Systems Resilience”
The state of the healthcare services will improve substantially with the involvement and participation of ULBs in delivering them and at the same time it will make the healthcare services more affordable and accessible to the urban dwellers: Shri Sudhansh Pant
“By working together, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and National /State teams can create a synergy which will lead to more sustainable, healthy and safe urban environment for urban population”
Union Health Secretary, Shri Sudhansh Pant presided over the National Urban Health Conclave on "Developing a Joint Roadmap for Strengthening Health Systems Resilience", here today. Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs was also present.
Addressing the gathering, the Health Secretary highlighted the pressing need for strengthening the primary and secondary healthcare network at the urban level. Citing the significant impact of Urban Local Bodies  in Maharashtra and Gujarat in delivering high quality healthcare services to the respective states, he emphasized that “the state of the healthcare services will improve substantially with the involvement and participation of ULBs in delivering them and at the same time it will make the healthcare services more affordable and accessible to the urban dwellers.”
Commending the convergence of efforts between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Sudhansh Pant said “By working together, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and National /State teams can create a synergy which will lead to more sustainable, healthy and safe urban environment for urban population.” He further appealed to all the states and union territories to strive to close the gaps for better health care delivery. He encouraged deliberation and sharing of best practices for building stronger collaborations to strengthen our urban healthcare ecosystem.
Shri Manoj Joshi concurred that the healthcare services in the urban sphere must be sustainably strengthened to address the varying needs of the urban population as per their requirement. Commending the rural health and wellness centres, Shri Manoj said “alignment of healthcare services as per the requirements of the landscape is paramount.”
The conference was attended by Ms. L.S. Changsan, AS & MD, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Vishal Chauhan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Major General  Atul Kotwal, Executive Director, National Health Systems Resource Centre, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government Officials from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs from Central and State, Principal Secretaries, Mission Directors representing various states, Ms. Veena Reddy, Mission Director, USAID, Dr. Neeraj Jain, Country Director, PATH, and other dignitaries.